Formula Renault

An Alternate Route to F1 and IndyCar Fame.

As racing series go, Formula Renault 3.5 flies under the radar. Although it slots in neatly between GP3 and GP2 and delivers the same brand of close racing, it lacks their visibility, not to mention the imprimatur of Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. Like GP3 and GP2 racers, the 1320-lb., carbon-fiber-bodied 3.5 racers are built by Dallara and incorporate F1 aero­dynamics that enhance ground effects. Powered by a 425-bhp 24-valve 3498-cc Renault-badged Nissan V-6 utilizing a production block, the cars are fitted with a 6-speed semi-automatic sequential-shift gearbox with paddle shifters. There's no clutch pedal, so left foot braking's a snap. By the way, Formula Renault 3.5 cars cost about $217,000, but most drivers rent their rides from teams such as Carlin, ISR and Epsilon Euskadi. Performance-wise, a Formula Renault 3.5 car is between 8 and 12 seconds a lap slower than an F1 car at Monaco, which is the only venue the two series will share this year. In its 13 seasons, FR 3.5 has helped launch the F1 careers of numerous talented drivers including series champions Fernando Alonso, a two-time F1 World Champion, plus Robert Kubica, Marc Gené and Heikki Kovalainen as well as IndyCar's Bertrand Baguette. And while they didn't win a Formula Renault championship, other outstanding alumni include 2010 F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel as well as IndyCar's Will Power, Justin Wilson and Enrique Bernoldi.